Ferritin Meaning
Ferritin is a protein that can bind iron. The body has a supply of iron that is stored in the liver, bound to ferritin. In the event of iron deficiency, the iron bound to ferritin in the liver will be tapped. This will also cause the ferritin concentration to drop. A low ferritin level in combination with low iron therefore indicates iron deficiency.
In addition to being an iron-binding protein, ferritin is also an acute-phase protein. This means that it plays a role in the immune system and increases in the event of an infection. If there is any doubt about the reason for elevated ferritin levels, the inflammatory biomarker CRP can also be measured.
Ferritin levels for men:
Ferritin levels for men are classified as follows:
- Normal: A ferritin level between 31.5 and 380 µg/L is considered normal. This indicates that there is sufficient iron in the body.
- Low: When the ferritin level is below 30 µg/L, this is considered abnormal and too low. This may indicate an iron deficiency and should be investigated further in combination with other iron levels.
- High: A ferritin level above 380 µg/L is on the high side of the normal range. Levels between 380 and 400 µg/L are considered “cautionary,” meaning that the level is at the upper limit of normal. If the ferritin level exceeds 400 µg/L, it is considered abnormal and too high. This may indicate a possible iron surplus or another underlying condition and should be investigated further.
Ferritin levels for women:
Ferritin levels for women:
- Normal: A ferritin level between 15.75 and 142.5 µg/L is considered normal. This indicates a healthy amount of iron in the body. This may indicate iron deficiency and should be investigated further in combination with other iron levels. Levels between 15 and 15.75 µg/L are considered “cautionary” considered, meaning they are at the lower end of the normal range.
- High: A ferritin level above 142.5 µg/L falls within the high range of normal values. Values between 142.5 and 150 µg/L are considered “cautionary” meaning that the ferritin level is at the upper limit of normal. If the ferritin level exceeds 150 µg/L, it is considered abnormal and too high, which may indicate iron overload or another underlying condition. Further testing is then necessary.
Ferritin Levels in Men: Detailed Explanation
| Result | Unit | Value min-max | Age | Gender | Biomarker interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deviant | µg/L | 0 - 30 | 18 - 100 | Man | The ferritin level is outside the normal range and is too low. The interpretation depends on the other values in the iron spectrum. |
| Caution | µg/L | 30 - 31.5 | 18 - 100 | Man | The ferritin level is still within the normal range, but is on the low side. |
| Normal | µg/L | 31.5 - 380 | 18 - 100 | Man | The ferritin level is good. |
| Caution | µg/L | 380 - 400 | 18 - 100 | Man | The ferritin level is still within the normal range, but is on the high side. |
| Deviant | µg/L | 400 - 1000 | 18 - 100 | Man | The ferritin level is outside the normal range and is too high. The interpretation depends on the other values in the iron spectrum. |
Ferritin Levels in Women: Detailed Explanation
| Result | Unit | Value min-max | Age | Gender | Biomarker interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deviant | µg/L | 0 - 15 | 18 - 100 | Woman | The ferritin level is outside the normal range and is too low. The interpretation depends on the other values in the iron spectrum. |
| Caution | µg/L | 15 - 15.75 | 18 - 100 | Woman | The ferritin level is still within the normal range, but is on the low side. |
| Normal | µg/L | 15.75 - 142.5 | 18 - 100 | Woman | The ferritin level is good. |
| Caution | µg/L | 142.5 - 150 | 18 - 100 | Woman | The ferritin level is still within the normal range, but is on the high side. |
| Deviant | µg/L | 150 - 1000 | 18 - 100 | Woman | The ferritin level is outside the normal range and is too high. The interpretation depends on the other values in the iron spectrum. |
The ferritin level is outside the normal range and is too low. The interpretation depends on the other values in the iron spectrum.
